Podcasts about iowans

A discussion on how federal cuts to Medicaid will impact Iowans and rural healthcare.

Simon talks to Iowa Attorney General. Brenna Bird, about multiple actions she's taking on behalf of Iowans. Today, Iowa won and injunction on behalf of 25 state to stop California from implementing yet another "green" regulatory tax. She also shares with Simon about the new addition to her staff of a nurse that specializes in sexual assault and will be able to focus on resources and special care for victims as well as walk with them through the legal process after trauma.

Writers Bob Leonard and Jason Walsmith share stories from their new series Portraits of Hunger in Iowa, documenting Iowans facing food insecurity and homelessness. Also, a conversation with members of the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra ahead of their first-ever honor orchestra concert.

How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the personal and professional lives of Iowans.

Veterans Day is set aside each November 11th to honor and thank all who have served honorably in the U.S. military — in war or in peace. This week, Gary Dolphin offers a standing ovation to the men and women who've answered the call to defend our nation. One of them is Green Beret Master Sergeant Mike McEmeel of Cedar Rapids, now President of the Galen Kittleson Iowa Chapter of the Special Forces Association.McEmeel reflects on his service, the legacy of fellow Iowan and Special Forces legend Galen Kittleson, and the enduring brotherhood among America's elite soldiers.Thank you, veterans — from all of us at the Fight for Iowa Podcast. Go Hawks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Mike Jay isn't announcing track and field meets around the state and country, he's sending running shoes to student athletes as part of the Track Guy Foundation. Also, a conversation about the veteran-led humanitarian organization Team Rubicon.

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.

We're recording this episode the week the Iowa DOGE Task Force released their final 136 page report – you heard that right, that's the state-level version of the Department of Government Efficiency convened by our governor back in February, tasked with maximizing return on investment of Iowa taxpayer dollars.As you can imagine, among their recommendations are ideas from the Return on Taxpayer Investment Working Group about improving education results “aimed at delivering greater value for taxpayers.”Fortunately for Iowans, this working group assembled a crack team of experienced education experts for the job, including the CEO of an ethanol plant, the former Chair of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, and the chair of a civil engineering firm. Among their recommendations are to:"Establish a merit-based compensation framework –including a bonus structure, teacher professional development and incentives for those in high-need schools in order to improve student outcomes and financially reward high-performing teachers.”Merit-pay is of course a tried, tested, and failed idea. But teacher salaries are just one thread in the complex tapestry of how states pay for public education and the ideological tug of war in our public debates over school funding – how we pay for buildings, pensions, special education, Title 1, school food programs…every cost that goes into making schooling work…or not.If the Iowa DOGE report and the policy agenda that will inevitably follow could be titled As Privatized as Possible – doubling down on outcome-based school funding and accountability measures and even recommending AI-based bus route optimization to “cut costs and improve service”...what's the alternative?My guest today asks, “What would it mean to democratize school resources? What would it mean to have truly public schools, down to the very means of resource creation and distribution that fuels them…what will it take to make school as public as possible.”It's also the title of his upcoming book, As Public as Possible: Radical Finance for America's Public Schools out this December. You can preorder it now from The New Press.David Backer is the author. He's an associate professor of education policy at Seton Hall University whose research, teaching, and organizing focus on ideology and school finance. A former high school teacher, his research has appeared in a half dozen scholarly journals like the Harvard Education Review as well as popular venues like The American Prospect and Jacobin. And you can find him on social media @schooldaves.As Public As Possible (The New Press)@SchoolDaves TikTok

Iowa is asking for federal money to fund rural health care initiatives. The state has settled a wrongful termination lawsuit with a former public health spokesperson. And how are Iowans adjusting to higher health care costs?

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and Sarah Curry break down the results of Iowa's November local elections, where billions in local debt and dozens of bond measures were on the line. From record-breaking approval totals in Des Moines to a wave of rejections across rural Iowa, the results reveal a complex picture of how taxpayers view government spending at the local level.Sarah shares her statewide analysis of more than $1.7 billion in proposed bonds, noting that just over $1 billion was approved — driven heavily by the historic $260 million Des Moines Public Schools bond. Meanwhile, over half of all bond proposals across Iowa failed, reflecting a growing skepticism toward new debt and long-term property tax commitments.The discussion highlights some of the biggest stories: the Dallas County Courthouse proposal, a “repeat offender” that failed for the second time; the Cedar Rapids and Dubuque school bonds, both scaled-down but still unsuccessful; and smaller cities where just a few dozen voters decided multi-million-dollar questions. Chris and Sarah emphasize how low turnout — often under 20% — gives a handful of votes the power to raise property taxes for decades.The episode closes with a look ahead. The hosts urge Iowans to stay engaged after election night, monitoring how approved projects are implemented and holding local officials accountable for how bond dollars are spent. As Sarah puts it, “Debt equals spending,” and informed taxpayers must stay vigilant if they want lasting relief from rising property taxes.

The number of people identifying as Native Americans in the U.S. nearly doubled between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Census.

Iowans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are awaiting relief. Later, we hear about a new podcast from ISU Extension.

You may not know who Morgan Sackett is, but chances are good that his fingerprints are all over a TV show or a movie that you love. Also, a conversation with an Iowa City-based poet and fiber artist.

In this episode of Emotion Well, we talk with Nick Krehbiel from Agri-Prime Consulting. Bringing over a decade of experience in facilitation, education, and organizational development, he is a certified DiSC partner, helping teams strengthen communication and performance.In this conversation, Nick shares real-world examples from his consulting work and explains what DiSC assessments are and how they go beyond labels to help individuals and teams work better together. We also discuss the bigger picture: how strong local businesses play a vital role in supporting rural communities.You can connect with Nick here:Nicholas Krehbiel - LinkedInAgri-Prime ConsultingLearn more about our DiSC training: Understanding Yourself and Others: A DiSC-Based Approach to CommunicationEFR offers our clients a variety of services, including Counseling, Life Coaching, and Child and Eldercare Resources. If your company would like to partner with us to offer these services to your employees, visit efr.org/employers to learn more.Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

- Tell us something we don't know! - Cowboys LOSE (but they made a trade) - Lotta hungry Iowans these days...

- Tell us something we don't know! - Cowboys LOSE (but they made a trade) - Lotta hungry Iowans these days...

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA) highlights some key issues that matter to her as she enters the race for Iowa's Senate seat in 2026. She identifies some priorities that matter to Iowans, which can translate to issues affecting the United States as a whole. Congresswoman Hinson also discusses her biggest job, being a mom, which is why she is passionate about what schools are teaching American children. Bring on the Stupid: An ex-wife seeks reparations after her husband put her contact in his phone as "Chubby." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iowa Business Report Monday EditionNov. 03, 2025      National financial journalist Jordan Goodman on last week's interest rate cut by the Fed and its impact on Iowans. 

Iowa storytellers share their own haunting stories. Then, we get spooky book recommendations for all ages of readers.

Hurricane Melissa plows across Jamaica, its eye now moving toward Cuba; Israel launches strikes on Gaza after Netanyahu orders 'powerful' attacks; HIV outbreak in ME shows risk of federal crackdown on homelessness; Iowans face changes to Medicare plans; WI Farmers Union calls for policy investments in rural Wisconsin.

The Blind Drive puts you in the passenger seat with Jeff Thompson and Tim Schwartz as they run down what's shaping life for blind and low vision people right now. From federal cuts hitting the Rehabilitation Services Administration to new pressure in Iowa over blind Iowans' right to keep their shades on (or off), the landscape is shifting fast. We dig into accessibility on the ground — including Target's move on self-checkout — and in your hand, with India distributing smart glasses and Apple cracking the door wider for third-party accessible tech. We talk White Cane Day, not as a hashtag moment but as safety, identity, and independence. And yes, AI is everywhere… but when you really need answers, is a human solution like Aira still the gold standard? Buckle up and call in with your thoughts at 612-367-6093. We would love to hear from you!   Useful Links      •      ACB on RSA Layoffs      •      Iowa Public Radio: Blind Iowans Protest Training Changes      •      Target's Accessible Self-Checkout Rollout      •      AI Glasses for Students – Times of India               •      Apple's Latest Accessibility Features   Thanks for listening.

Hurricane Melissa plows across Jamaica, its eye now moving toward Cuba; Israel launches strikes on Gaza after Netanyahu orders 'powerful' attacks; HIV outbreak in ME shows risk of federal crackdown on homelessness; Iowans face changes to Medicare plans; WI Farmers Union calls for policy investments in rural Wisconsin.

Loaded 1rst hour of the show - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds updates Simon on her statewide roundtable tour listening & talking to Iowans about property tax, DOGE, IPERS and more! Next, Simon gets 'THE RUNDOWN FROM THE SHUTDOWN' from U.S. Senator Joni Ernst on what is now DAY 28! Who is next to be affected? Who is holding the government hostage? Who crossed party lines today and will CR vote #14 be successful? Listen to find our!

Iowa Business Report Wednesday EditionOct. 29, 2025     Ben Murrey of Common Sense Institute Iowa on the impact of today's Federal Reserve meeting on Iowans. 

Four businesses in Iowa are being recognized for going above and beyond in their efforts to hire Iowans with disabilities.  Tyler Hansen, Business Engagement Resource Manager for Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) joins the show to not only highlight these four companies but also talk about how IVRS is working to employ more Iowans with disabilities in 2026.  Find out what made these four companies successful, and how other companies can copy their winning strategies.

Headlines on today's episode include:-U.S/China trade talks sparking optimism in soybean market-Iowa Farm Bureau president encouraged by China breakthrough-No Cattle on Feed data, but analysts have thoughts-Quarter-million Iowans could lose food assistance amid federal shutdown-Farm Bureau leader says Congressional help is neededSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A clinician who works with a range of patients with autism helps us understand autism spectrum disorder, and Iowans in the autism community share their thoughts and experiences.

Iowa Business Report Friday EditionOct. 24, 2025   Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird on the increase in job scammers targeting Iowans. 

Eric The Analytical Iowan is back on the program. He was on just a few days ago but the conditions of the country warrant bringing him back. Let's get into it.

Eric The Analytical Iowan is back on the program. He was on just a few days ago but the conditions of the country warrant bringing him back. Let's get into it.

Analysts discuss the top political stories of the week, including Gov. Reynolds' DOGE task force report, the Gaza ceasefire and more.

The Analytical Iowan, Eric joins us on the program. We needed Eric to come back figure out all the crazy stuff happening in this country. Let's get into it.

The Analytical Iowan, Eric joins us on the program. We needed Eric to come back figure out all the crazy stuff happening in this country. Let's get into it.

Iowans protested at No Kings rallies across the state. SNAP recipients might not get November food assistance benefits because of the government shutdown. And another Democrat is running for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District.

In this heartfelt and funny conversation, Emili sits down with The Black Rose owner, Ashley Kofoed, to talk about books, belonging, and building something beautiful from the ground up. A veteran, former teacher, and proud Kentucky native turned Iowan, Ashley shares what it means to feel safe but still Black in the Midwest, why she left education to pursue entrepreneurship, and how she created a cozy, boozy bookstore that's become a community haven.From classroom challenges to cocktails and connection, Ashley's story is one of joy, courage, and creative freedom.

Keith Murphy and Andy Fales take one last look at the Iowa-Penn State game before diving into Curt Cignetti's timely extension. Iowans cash-in, Scott School, and MORE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow welcomes Sarah Curry back to the show for an in-depth look at local government bond elections across Iowa. From small-town school projects to multimillion-dollar city referenda, Sarah explains why these votes matter, how they quietly drive up property taxes, and what taxpayers can do to stay informed.Sarah shares her experience compiling the only statewide reporting of bond elections, describing the labor-intensive process of contacting all 99 county auditors to identify every bond proposal on Iowa's November ballot. With $1.5 billion in new borrowing up for approval, the hosts break down how these long-term debts shape local tax bills for decades.The conversation tackles “mission creep” in local government—where school and city projects expand beyond essential needs into luxury facilities like sports complexes and pools. Chris and Sarah call for better voter engagement, noting that only a fraction of residents participate in decisions that can raise property taxes for 20 years or more.They also discuss the need for stronger transparency rules and better coordination among local governments to prevent overlapping tax increases. The episode ends with practical advice for Iowans: know what's on your ballot, ask questions, and understand that debt equals spending. Informed voters are the first line of defense against runaway local taxation.

As the federal government shutdown has entered its third week, we look at impacts on cybersecurity, research and nutrition programs.

Political analysts discuss the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East, the government shutdown and other major political stories impacting Iowans.

State and federal leaders want to grow nuclear energy. Supporters are excited about the job opportunities this could bring, while others are concerned about potential health and environmental effects.

Molly Gil and Tracy May are both mom's on a mission. The two are managers at John Deere Financial and know firsthand how challenging it can be for Iowans with disabilities to find rewarding employment.  Both are mothers to children with disabilities, and the two have made it their mission to make their company a place where people like their own kids can find a career. Learn how the two connected John Deere Financial with Iowa Workforce Development's Vocational Rehabilitation team to fill important positions by using the often-overlooked talent pool. 

Powerful interview with freed Israeli hostage Yoni Diller and Charles Schneider from Iowans for Israel

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order that requires work authorization checks for new state employees. The Iowa Supreme Court is deciding if low-income Iowans should have to pay court fees if their case is dismissed. And methane from landfills in Dubuque is converted into natural gas to power homes.

Iowa Business Report Wednesday EditionOct. 08, 2025      U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-New Hartford) on direct impacts to Iowans resulting from the federal government shutdown. 

Vinh Nguyen has lived in Iowa for decades, but he grew up in Vietnam during the war, which ended April 30, 1975.

Josh Turek knows how to win. A U.S. Senate candidate, current Iowa State Legislator, and two-time Paralympic gold medalist for Team USA, Josh joins Andrew Vontz & Jonathan Kaplan on United States of Sweat presented by Choose the Hard Way. This is the show where politicians and policymakers share stories about fitness, health and the sports they love playing.  Josh has faced adversity his entire life. Born with Spina Bifida after his dad was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, he overcame 21 surgeries by the age of 12. Later he was cut from the Team USA wheelchair basketball squad six times.  Relentless in his training and as a top professional wheelchair basketball player, Josh kept coming back.  He finally made the team and went on to represent the U.S. at four Para-Olympics where he won two gold medals. After his basketball career ended with a gold medal in Tokyo in 2021, Josh campaigned to represent his hometown of Council Bluffs in the state legislature.  Competing in a district that Donald Trump won twice, Josh pushed his chair up hills and crawled up stairs to talk to Iowans of all political stripes, eventually winning his first race by six votes.  He was re-elected by a five-point margin at the same time Trump was winning the seat by eight points, not only because of his work ethic but because he's developed a reputation as a common-sense, bipartisan legislator. --------- Jonathan Kaplan is the founder of WRITE CADENCE STRATEGIES, helping individuals and organizations navigate Washington, shape policy and manage reputational risk. He also writes RIDING WITH, a newsletter and podcast exploring the intersection of pro cycling, media, business and politics. Find that at ridingwithkaplan.substack.com. --------- The number one way to support Choose the Hard Way is to become a paid subscriber to  alwaysthehardway.substack.com. That's where Andrew Vontz shares his reflections on these interviews and writes about engaged mindfulness, bikes and life.  --------- For senior execs, pro athletes, and political leaders, podcasts aren't optional anymore. They're mission-critical. At One Real Voice, Andrew Vontz coaches leaders 1:1 to help them thrive as storytellers and stand out in the long-form podcast conversations where real influence is built.  When you're ready to be great, DM him @hardwaypod or email hello@onerealvoice.com. --------- Wherever you're listening to this podcast, please subscribe and hit 5 stars. ------------- Crypto curious? With over $1 trillion in transactions to date, https://www.blockchain.com/ is your trusted partner on your crypto journey. Create your free wallet and get up to 10% in annual rewards by putting your crypto to work. Go to Blockchain.com to get started today, no experience required. ------------- Choose the Hard Way Newsletter: https://alwaysthehardway.substack.com/ ------------- One Real Voice podcast coaching & strategy: https://www.onerealvoice.com/

Eric the Analytical Iowan joins us on the program today. With all that's going on it's great to get his perspective. Let's get into it.

Eric the Analytical Iowan joins us on the program today. With all that's going on it's great to get his perspective. Let's get into it.

Iowans who own their own businesses are vital to the workforce. But, for those interested in entrepreneurship, the path ahead might be overwhelming. For Iowans looking to own their own business, many wonder: where do you start? One place might be Entrepreneurship Professor Malinda Shultice's classroom at Iowa State University. Mission: Employable podcast hosts Ben Oldach and Kathy Leggett as they learn what it takes to launch your own business from Professor Shultice. Learn from Shultice how the experience of running her own business helps keep the class practical and relevant to new students. 

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into the latest ITR Foundation poll, offering fresh insight into how Iowans feel about taxes, spending, education, and the state's political environment. With overwhelming bipartisan support for constitutional limits on raising taxes and capping property tax growth, the poll makes clear that taxpayers want stronger protections — and they want them now.The conversation also takes a serious turn with the shocking story of Des Moines school superintendent Ian Roberts, who was detained by federal agents under a long-standing deportation order. Chris and John walk through the facts of the case, raise questions about how Roberts was ever hired to lead Iowa's largest school district, and criticize the evasive responses of Democratic leaders. For Iowans, the scandal isn't just about immigration — it's about accountability in education and government.From there, the hosts return to the numbers: the poll shows Iowa Republicans remain in a strong position heading into 2026, with a +10 point generic ballot advantage even in what should be a difficult midterm environment for the party in power. Education Savings Accounts continue to gain support as more families see their benefits firsthand, while property tax reform remains a political winner that cuts across party lines.The episode closes with a thoughtful exchange on tariffs and trade, showing how conservative views on economic policy are shifting in the Trump era. Chris and John weigh the populist push for tariffs against Iowa's agricultural reliance on global markets, highlighting both risks and opportunities. It's a conversation that shows how national debates directly impact Iowa families and businesses.